Historical Texans-Panthers game will feature unique draft quirk that’s never been seen in modern NFL history

When the Panthers and Texans play each and every different on Sunday in Carolina, all eyes will be at the two quarterbacks. This game will feature the No. 1 total pick out in the 2023 NFL Draft (Bryce Young) dealing with off in opposition to the No. 2 total pick out in the draft (C.J. Stroud). 

This will mark the 5th time in NFL history that two quarterbacks will face each and every different as beginners after being decided on with the highest two alternatives in the draft. Although it is uncommon to look that matchup, this game will in truth feature one thing that’s much more uncommon and that’s as a result of it is a quirk that has NEVER happened before in the NFL’s modern draft era, which dates again to 1967. 

This game will in truth feature the TOP THREE alternatives in the 2023 NFL Draft and that’s as a result of 3rd total pick out Will Anderson Jr. performs for the Texans. For maximum of NFL history, the highest 3 alternatives have ended up with 3 other groups, which is why we now have never seen all 3 alternatives enjoying in the similar game throughout their rookie yr. 

The Texans had two of the highest 3 alternatives this yr, marking simply the 3rd time in the modern generation that one workforce had two of the highest 3 alternatives. The different occasions in took place got here in 1992 (Indianapolis) and 2000 (Washington). 

In 1992, the Colts and the Rams mixed to have the highest 3 alternatives, however the ones two groups did not face each and every different that season. In 2000, Washington and Cleveland mixed to have the highest 3 alternatives, however as soon as once more, the 2 groups did not face each and every throughout the season. 

The Texans did not at first have the No. 3 total pick out in the 2023 draft, however they made a blockbuster business with the Cardinals that moved them as much as from twelfth to 3rd total, which allowed them to make a choice Anderson. 

Young and Anderson have been teammates at Alabama and the previous defensive big name for the Crimson Tide appears like he is indubitably taking a look ahead to dealing with his buddy. 

“It’s going to be really fun, it’s going to be a great challenge for us,” Anderson mentioned this week of dealing with Young, via KPRC-2 in Houston. “He does a lot of great things in the pocket… Phenomenal player, it was great playing with him. We’re excited to play against him.”

During their time in combination at Alabama, Anderson never were given to hit Young at follow, so he will be getting his first probability on Sunday. 

“That’s all that’s been going through my mind is ‘I get a chance to hit Bryce Young,'” Anderson mentioned. “It’s going to be a great challenge for us. Me and Bryce go way back. We started school together, so it’s going to be fun.”

As for the Stroud vs. Young combat, the ones two also are pals and the Panthers QB made it transparent that he desires to look Stroud prevail, smartly, except for for possibly this week. 

“There’s never going to be a time that I’m not rooting for C.J., I guess outside of obviously this weekend,” Young mentioned this week, via the AP. “I don’t want to speak for CJ., but I think he feels the same way. We just both want what’s best for each other. We both want each other to be successful.”

Right now, Stroud performs for the easier workforce and it is a game the place his 4-3 Texans are recently preferred through 3 issues over the winless Panthers (0-6). Not simplest do the oddsmakers desire Houston, however so does history. In the 4 prior matchups between the highest two alternatives, the No. 2 total pick out has long past 3-1. 

1993: No. 2 pick out Rick Mirer leads the Seahawks to a 17-14 win over Drew Bledsoe’s Patriots. 
1998: No. 1 pick out Peyton leads the Colts to a 17-12 win over Ryan Leaf’s Chargers. 
2015: No. 2 pick out Marcus Mariota leads the Titans to a 42-14 win over Jameis Winston’s Buccaneers. 
2021: No. 2 pick out Zack Wilson leads the Jets to a 26-21 win over Trevor Lawrence’s Jaguars. 

We in truth broke down the Young vs. Stroud matchup with a Tale of the Tape and you’ll see that through clicking right here.